During Gov. John Baldacci’s State of the State speech last week, applause from legislators, or lack of it at times, indicated that some differences between the Democrat governor and Republican lawmakers aren’t getting smaller.
In his speech, Baldacci urged both parties to continue to work together this year, but House Republicans aren’t happy about several things: the liquor contract, the speed of the budget being passed, cuts to medical providers and not enough cuts in programs.
Throughout Baldacci’s 45-minute speech, lawmakers applauded 30 times, an average of once every 90 seconds. But a third of the clapping came as the governor asked different individuals to stand and be recognized.
Legislators, overall a polite crowd, responded.
When it came to policies, Republicans were less generous with their applause.
GOP members weren’t enthused about expanding the laptop program, expanding health care offerings or a $100 million Land for Maine’s Future program. They did like property tax relief, improved accounting in the Department of Human Services and tax reduction.
Here are some subjects lawmakers applauded, which indicates approval or support (as of Jan. 20):
• Passage of Dirigo and its upcoming July 1 implementation, plus a call to continue to strive for affordable health care for all (mostly, Democrats clapped).
• News that more Maine jobs are forecast, and that National Semiconductor will be hiring (bipartisan clapping).
• Repealing the personal property tax on business equipment and machinery.
• News that more Mainers are going to college, that Baldacci wants to increase the state’s number of college graduates and that there’ll be more scholarships for non-college-bound high-schoolers.
• The launching of Maine Rx Plus (standing ovation by Democrats).
• A call to provide property tax relief (loud applause, bipartisan).
We’ll see what happens by March 21, the legal adjournment date.
The Canton example
During his speech, Baldacci cited the Oxford County town of Canton’s handling of the flood last month to illustrate that the state can tackle tough problems, such as reducing taxes while delivering services.
“On a bleak Thursday, the Androscoggin River flooded the entire Canton downtown,” Baldacci said. “I visited the town on Friday, and found families in disarray. But they were doing everything they could to help themselves and each other.”
By working together, Canton’s “vision guides their recovery from the December flood.” Just as Canton leaders have a plan to strengthen their town by reducing flood risks, the administration has a plan to strengthen Maine’s economy, Baldacci said.
The governor then asked Canton Fire Chief Wayne Dube to stand and accept their thanks and applause. Dube did.
Insurance
There’ll be a public hearing tomorrow that will be of interest to ATV riders and snowmobilers. It’s on L.D. 1665, a bill that would require owners and operators of ATVs and snowmobiles to have insurance.
That hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday in Room 427 of the State House before the Insurance and Financial Services Committee. (You may want to arrive early. It’s a small room.)
Quote of the week: “There’s millions to be made.” – Penobscot Nation Chief Barry Dana talking about the tribe’s proposal to compete for slot machines at the Bangor Raceway.
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